Panasonic Lumix G2 Video Introduction

A not-so short video introduction of the Panasonic Lumix G2 Micro-FourThirds Interchangeable lens digital camera. It does some simple but effective comparisons against the LUMIX GH-1 the reason being it is the same form factor and the G2 now offers video recording, albeit AVCHD Lite. Hope you gain some insight from the video on whether or not the LUMIX G2 is for you.

[jamcansing]

@Rohhaut You are right I didn't cover some of the basics in the video. I've got a blog post (incomplete) that I"ve been sitting on to talk about the rest of the camera. I own a GH-1 as seen from some of the video. So I am quite familiar with the camera. I really do like the new touchscreen for some of the functions. Moving the dedicated movie button to the top is also good. I'm not quite sold on moving the wheel to the thumb versus the forefinger. I'm also a Canon user. :)

[Rohhaut]

@jamcansing You're so right! Even the F38/FZ45 offered more manual controll on video mode. But the G2 is just great for stills. That's why I enjoy your video so much - it makes me think about the G2 over and over again.

[jamcansing]

@Nk19998 Howdy! The G2 does not come with small tripod that really depends on your bargaining skills when shopping or any promotions that your local shop may have for freebies. Anyway, tripods aren't that expensive these days unless you're buying a carbon fibre gitzo or manfrotto. Lots of cheap aluminum ones around and the G2 isn't a heavy camera so you won't need something super heavy duty. As for the battery, Panasonic uses a proprietary Li-on DMW-BLB13E 7.2v 1250mAh.

[jamcansing]

@Edilotte You can use the buttons or dial to navigate the photos when you are reviewing (Playing back). For anyone that is already so familiar with touchscreen technology (Apple iPhone or any of the new Android Smartphones) it is easy to know swiping left and right to navigate, just don't try to pinch zoom. It isn't multi-touch and doesn't work like the iPhone. :)

[jamcansing]

@Nk19998 I didn't test whether or not touch focusing works when recording video. My suspicion is that it would work but there is an obvious downside to doing so...the camera would jerk when you did so and ruin your video stability. Even on a tripod it may not be advisable to be pressing on the rear of the camera for the focus point.

[Rohhaut]

@jamcansing The movie mode... I use the G2 as a stills camera and recording movies is just an additional function. Of course the movie mode becomes more and more important, but the G2 also does a great job as a video cam. You own the GH1 - so of course you know how how a camera could be and compared to the GH1 the G2 can only loose :)
I am quite crazy about cameras, I don't know if my next one will be the GH2 (too expensive at the moment) or a Canon...

[jamcansing]

@terminator7251 The G2 is the better camera with much more to offer. If you are on a tight budget then the G10.The flip and tilt screen is a very handy feature to have and if you or the user of the camera is used to touchscreen devices it may be more user friendly to select focus area with the screen as the focusing on dslrs can be a bit finicky at times not selecting the focus point of choosing using the other built-in focusing parameters.

[Rohhaut]

@bodanerius Check filmmode and make sure you didn't do any bad things to the whitebalance/colour settings.. When I first used this cam there were some issues which really struggled me. RTFM.

[jamcansing]

@terminator7251 G2 if you don't need the electronic viewfinder the latest GF2 is also super with the touchscreen.

[nomorework]

Does this camera has video output, like a mini hdmi to connect to a larger portable monitor?

[mast]

Hi thanks for the video - Im simply trying to figure out how to playback my video - it is tiring.

[Rohhaut]

I've been using the G2 for two month now and I am totally happy with it. Your vid lacks some basic informations on this cam.

[jamcansing]

@Rohhaut It would have been nice to have included some more manual intervention with the movie recording than just leaving it to automatic, guess I'm spoiled by the GH-1 in that regard. (8

[Edilotte]

at 1:45 ...can you also watch the photos clicking on the buttons? i don't like touchscreens...or is it slower with the buttons? thanks for the video! it's very helpful!

[jamcansing]

I'm not sure about pricing as it will differ in your country. Take note that the G3 is also now available. Check out dpreview.com for camera details and testing

[lukemc]

looks like an sweet DSLR camera what is the shutter speed of it (sorry if it was in the video i most likely missed it) because i am going to be doing photography as a course and I will be needing to get a camera and i hope i could get this one because it seems perfect

[Nk]

Hey Chester!
One more question,
when you record, can you focus while your recording manually? with the tiuch screen or would it be better to focus moving the lens?

Thanks!

[freyjafox]

I have the G2 & after only about 1 year & a bit of use, the shutter speed/manual function wheel has stopped working. Its a huge fault of the camera & there is very little information out there on fixing it. I have been very careful with it & i believe it is only a physical problem as everything else still works perfectly. Any suggestions on fixing it? or forums where the issue is talked about.
Thanks for your video. Very helpful.

[Nk]

Hey Chester,
great introduction!! I have 2 questions to ask u:
1. Does the G2 come with the small tripod?
2. What kind of battery is the G2? Is it a ion battery?
Thanks!

[SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

aside from the ergonomics, what do you think of the picture and video quality? Does it measure up to canon and nikon far as in picture quality?